Study Guide. Bachelor s programme in International Communication and Media 2012-2013

Study Guide Bachelor s programme in International Communication and Media 2012-2013 1

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Contents 1 Foreword 6 2 Organization of the study programme 8 2.1 Professional profile... 8 2.1.1 Profession... 8 2.1.2 Details of professional profile... 8 2.1.3 Competencies of a beginning professional practitioner... 9 2.1.4 Graduate skills... 11 2.1.5 Field of work and employment functions... 12 2.2 Profile of study programme... 13 2.2.1 General... 13 2.2.2 Study programme objective... 13 2.2.3 The HBO ( Higher Vocational Education ) level of the study programme... 13 2.2.4 Teaching: principles... 13 2.3 Organization of the study programme... 14 2.3.1 Programme tracks... 14 2.3.2 Abridged and accelerated study programme routes... 14 2.3.3 Certificates... 14 2.3.4 Degrees and titles... 14 2.3.5 Structure of the study programme... 14 2.4 Preliminary year... 15 2.4.1 Programme... 16 2.4.2 Advice concerning study progress... 17 2.4.3 Switching to another programme... 19 2.5 Main stage... 19 2.5.1 Admission to main stage... 19 2.5.2 Programmes... 19 2.5.3 Internships and value of internships... 23 2.5.4 Optional subjects component... 23 2.5.5 Excellence... 24 2.5.6 Graduating... 25 2.5.7 Follow-up options... 25 2.6 Board of Examiners... 25 2.6.1 Establishment and appointments... 25 2.6.2 Composition... 25 2.6.3 Powers and responsibilities... 25 2.6.4 Petitions... 26 2.7 Introduction and supervision days, excursions, working weeks, and training courses 26 2.8 Facilities... 26 2.8.1 Supervision... 27 2.8.2 IT facilities... 27 2.8.2.1 General... 27 2.8.2.2 Student mail... 27 2.8.2.3 SharePoint... 27 2.8.2.4 OSIRIS Student... 28 2.8.2.5 Password... 29 2.8.2.6 Information security and privacy... 29 2.8.2.7 Recording your study progress... 29 2.8.3 Education desk... 29 2.8.4 Study association... 30 2.8.5 Programme committees... 30 2.9 Contact details... 30 3 Courses 31 3.1 Course participation... 31 3.2 Enrolling for courses... 31 3.3 Obligation to attend... 31 3.4 Entry requirements... 31 3.5 Course descriptions... 31 4 Exams 32 4.1 Introduction... 32 4.2 Exemptions... 32 3

4.3 Organization of exams... 33 4.3.1 Duration and form of exams... 33 4.3.2 Exam timetable... 33 4.3.3 Enrolling for and taking exams (including retakes)... 34 4.3.4 Facilities for those with functional limitations... 35 4.3.5 Proof of identity required for written exams... 36 4.3.6 Procedures during exams... 36 4.4 Assessment... 37 4.4.1 Assigning the marks; viewing the exam... 37 4.4.2 Irregularities / fraud... 38 4.4.3 Keeping and returning exams... 39 4.4.4 Validity of results... 39 5 Certification 40 5.1 Procedure for awarding certificates... 40 5.2 Cum laude or met genoegen (with merit)... 40 6 Timetables 42 6.1 Annual timetable... 42 6.2 Holidays and free days... 43 6.3 Days and times of lessons... 43 6.4 Opening hours of buildings... 44 6.5 Timetable information and alterations... 44 7 Complaints, objections, appeals 45 7.1 Introduction... 45 7.2 Objections... 45 7.3 Appeals... 46 7.3.1 Lodging an appeal... 46 7.3.2 Further appeals... 46 7.4 Complaints... 47 7.4.1 Submitting a complaint... 47 7.4.2 Requesting a review of how a complaint has been dealt with... 47 7.5 Undesirable behaviour... 47 8 Student Affairs 49 8.1 Student support and guidance... 49 8.2 Talent Grant... 49 8.3 Student counsellor... 50 8.4 Confidential counsellor... 50 8.5 Students doctor... 51 8.6 Student Psychologist Office... 51 8.7 Mediation... 52 8.8 Studying with a functional limitation... 52 8.9 Improving your language and writing skills... 52 8.10 Media centre... 52 8.11 International Office... 53 8.11.1 Study abroad... 53 8.11.2 Internship abroad... 53 8.12 Student participation... 53 8.12.1 Consultation bodies... 54 8.12.2 Support for students who are involved with administrative duties... 54 8.13 Studium Generale... 54 8.14 Student association... 55 8.14.1 General... 55 8.14.2 Administrative grant... 55 8.15 Top-level sport... 55 8.16 Trajectum... 55 8.17 Sports... 55 8.18 Safe, healthy, and environmentally-friendly study... 56 8.19 Insurance cover: liability, accident, and travel... 57 8.20 Having a job while studying... 58 8.21 Accommodation... 58 9 About the HU 59 9.1 General information... 59 9.1.1 Education profile of the HU... 59 4

9.1.2 Bachelor s and Master s system... 60 9.1.3 HU and faculty regulations... 60 9.1.4 Rules governing order... 61 9.1.5 Quality assurance... 62 9.1.6 HU organizational chart... 62 9.1.7 HU locations... 62 9.2 General information on the faculty of Communication and Journalism... 62 9.2.1 General... 62 9.2.2 Organizational chart of the faculty... 63 9.2.3 Contact information... 63 9.2.4 Map... 63 9.2.5 Practical provisions and instructions... 63 9.2.6 Facilities... 63 9.2.7 Enrolment for and unenrolling from the study programme... 65 9.2.8 Admission test... 65 9.2.9 Study costs, supplementary fees, and rebates... 66 9.2.9.1 Tuition fees... 66 9.2.9.2 Costs of books and learning materials... 68 9.2.9.3 Other costs... 68 9.2.9.4 Financial assistance... 68 10 Course descriptions 69 5

1 Foreword Dear Student, Welcome to the 2012-2013 Study Guide for the ICM programme. We hope you have an enjoyable and successful time as a student on our programme. This Study Guide contains important information and guidelines that can help you do just that. The HU University of Applied Sciences Utrecht provides demand-driven and competency-based teaching. Competency-based means that you will possess all the competencies you need when embarking on your professional career (see Section 2.1 1.). Demand-driven means we aim to structure teaching and the related support activities so that you can develop during your time as a student in the way that you prefer and which best suits your needs. Below you will find information about the most important aspects of your course and the choices available to you. Influence of the students Many of the choices we offer have been devised or improved as a result of initiatives by your fellow students. The HU (University of Applied Sciences Utrecht) regards you as a partner you are part of our knowledge community, so we greatly value your ideas and opinions. Your first opportunity to air your views is in the evaluations of every module, in which you can give your assessment and tips for improvements. We also organize dialogue sessions for each programme and in each faculty, in which we discuss your study programme and all the aspects related to it. The HU supports the active participation of students on Programme Committees and participatory bodies (8.12). Every year, we ask you to fill in the NSE (National Student Survey). And if there is a lecturer who has particularly impressed you, you can nominate him or her as the lecturer of the year! Excellence The HU acknowledges different types of excellence. If you get excellent results in your exams, your diploma may bear the words cum laude or met genoegen ( with merit ) (5.2). However, you can also shine in other areas, like innovation and leadership, something the HU is keen to promote, and the SIRIUS programme has been developed for that purpose. You can collect stars, and if you are really outstanding, will be awarded the official designation of Excellent Student (2.5.5.). In breadth, in depth Many study programmes have specializations, in which you can work on a particular part of your field in depth. In addition, most programmes have an optional subjects component (worth 30 EC; six months) that you can use to specialize in your own field or to learn about an entirely different field. This could be in your own faculty or at a different faculty; often, it is even possible to do a course at another educational establishment entirely (2.5.4). You can also put together your own exam programme your study progress advisor (2.8.1) can help you with this. Permission for this is required from the Board of Examiners of your study programme (2.6). There is also the Studium Generale (the scientific discussion platform), which runs inspiring programmes. What else? You can also use your time as a student to broaden your mind, and to gain experience outside your regular studies. Examples that come to mind are studying abroad (8.11), or perhaps taking an active part in running your student association, social organization or students sports club? (8.14, 8.17) We have already mentioned participatory bodies and Programme Committees. If you are a leading practitioner of your sport, you could combine your sporting activities with a study programme (8.15). As you see, there is a huge range of options that the HU actively supports. Falling behind in your studies You may find that your studies are not progressing as you had hoped, for all kinds of reasons. If this happens because of something that is beyond your control, such as illness or problems in a relationship, there are various schemes that you can use to get help. If you miss an exam because of your personal situation, you can request an extra retake (4.3.3). If you have not obtained enough study credits and are facing the possibility of being given a negative (binding) recommendation on continuing your studies, then you will be given help with a revised study schedule, which has to be taken into account by the Board of Examiners (2.4.2). And if you had a student grant in the past, and are still studying as a result of these circumstances beyond the period of your grant entitlement, then there is the possibility of receiving financial support (8.) In all these cases, you should report your situation as soon as possible to your study progress advisor (2.8.1) or your student counsellor (8.3)! If you take too long with your studies, you could become a long-term student. To prevent this, study programmes sometimes provide extra catch-up courses. These are announced via SharePoint. And if you have a functional limitation, it may be that you need a longer time to complete your programme, but that is by no means always necessary. The HU has a wide range of facilities that can be useful to you in your studies (8.8). 1 The numbers refer to the various Sections in the Study Guide 6

Problems and complaints Do you have any problems that are having a negative impact on your studies? Or questions because you don t know where exactly to get assistance? See your study progress advisor (2.8.1) or a student counsellor (8.3): they can give you advice or refer you to the appropriate person or department. If you have any complaints about your treatment by another student or employee, you can also speak to a confidential counsellor (8.4). For example, if people have problems working alongside others in your project group, involving our student mediators at an early stage can often prevent matters escalating and restore harmony to the group (8.7). In the event that something at the HU is not right or you disagree with a decision, every faculty and study programme has its own complaints desk where you can lodge objections or submit complaints (7.1). What does the HU expect of you? We aim to provide you with a study programme and a study climate that enable you to develop as much as possible. We do not want to see this undermined by students committing acts of unacceptable behaviour (such as harassment, sending hate mails, verbal abuse or physical violence), so you are expected to adhere to our internal rules (9.1.4) To receive a diploma, it has to be genuinely earned. Fraud (4.4.2) is not tolerated. In particular, if it means that innocent students are affected because exam results are declared invalid, the penalties are severe. Both unacceptable behaviour and fraud may lead to the perpetrators being expelled from the study programme. As you see, there are plenty of opportunities to enjoy life as a student at the HU, most of which you will find in this Study Guide. Read it carefully, before you start your study programme. The table of contents can be used to locate any given item, but if you are still not clear or cannot find what you are looking for, look at SharePoint or ask your study progress advisor or at the education desk (2.8.3). We hope you enjoy your time as a student and wish you the best of luck in the coming academic year. On behalf of all my colleagues who contribute towards your study programme, Carola Hageman Director Institute of Communication 7

2 Organization of the study programme 2.1 Professional profile 2.1.1 Profession The programme International Communication and Media runs ahead of the convergence of the two classic fields of communication and journalism. It does not offer a 'classical' programme in communication nor in traditional programme journalism. It produces professionals who possess the theoretical and practical knowledge of both disciplines, know how to move in the field in between and are capable to guide both communicative and journalistic processes. 2.1.2 Details of professional profile Below you will find details about the professional profile based on the three core words: International, Communication and Media. International More and more organizations work within an international context. This does not make the field of operation any easier, the more so since the so called globalization is only one tendency. Another tendency is the exact opposite: regionalization. This tendency also seems to become more important, maybe exactly because of globalization. Furthermore, more and more subcultures emerge - because of the arrival of the Internet -, which transcend borders, such as 'Web cultures' or 'Virtual cultures'. To survey the one as well as the other demands quite a lot from professionals: they have to possess knowledge of other cultures but their own, they have to possess insight in international relations, they have to be able to lead projects within an international context and meanwhile have to know what their position is, what their own culture is and how this culture meshes the best with the culture of the other. In short, international thinking is one of the pillars of International Communication & Media. Communication Organizations are forced more and more by the outside world to show more openness and to do business in a socially responsible way. As a consequence the role of communication advisor has changed: he/she has to play a more active role in the strategy. This requires advisors who can look at the organization in an independent and critical way. Furthermore the amount of information to, of and within an organization has increased and has also a higher rate of circulation. A communication advisor has to be able to analyze and weigh this stream of information and after that report about this and that. This and similar developments demand a different kind of communication advisor, both specialists and all-rounders. The latter have to be able to integrate and tune in. The former can already specialize themselves within the programme but are especially advised to look for their own corner within and after the training. A modern Communication programme has to offer both room for specialization and integration. Media Besides the developments in the, if you may call it so, strategic field there are also a lot of developments in the technical and executive field. Also in that sense communication in the broadest sense of the concept has become more complicated and existing. Thus digitalizing of the society demands a better gearing between different media and better strategies to reach the target group. Digitalizing and Internet have extended the communication possibilities enormously. It is definitely not the case, as is always feared with the rise of a new medium, that existing media are pushed away. Not in the least: radio, TV, photography and the written word all exist. At the moment this offer is even used more than ever before. Actually the 6 Hogeschool Utrecht, September 2012 8

Study guide for ICM programme 2012-2013 Internet, the most important medium of media, is an addition just as photography, radio and TV were added. Still there is one fundamental difference, namely that Internet and digitalization combine the existing media. Nobody knows exactly what this will mean in the long run. But all tendencies point to the fact that a magazine or a video, a company film and a brochure are no longer made by themselves and more often will be part of a 'package' in which a variety of media is used. After all each medium has its advantages and disadvantages. For a certain occasion one medium is more suitable than the other. Specialists in all fields are needed. But above all people are needed who possess knowledge of the different media and are capable to link them. It is those people the International Communication & Media programme is aiming at. With this the programme does not only bank on the future but also offers something new within the existing number of programmes. 2.1.3 Competencies of a beginning professional practitioner Starting point of the programme International Communication and Media are 10 core competencies the graduate of ICM should possess. The competencies should always meet the following quality requirements: Meets style and form requirements of the product written in correct and attractive English aimed at the target group and goal sources are reliable and up-to-date references are done by the international standards the choices made are explained made correct use of ICT-facilities Competence 1 Systematically detect, investigate, interpret and weigh relevant signals within the society in general or the environment of an organisation in particular. The communication- and media specialist spots developments in the society and/or the environment of an organisation. He judges the relevance of the detected international trends and issues and uses them either by bringing them in the process of strategic policy making or for (journalistic) products. Competence 2 Design, conduct, analyze and report an applied research based on a communication problem. In order to formulate a communication strategy and planning or to develop a sound journalistic product, it is necessary to do research. E.g. you will have to know what is in the mind of the public and target groups. This way you can make well founded choices. During and after a communication campaign or action you need to conduct research in order to find out whether your strategy and planning have reached the intended effects. Competence 3 Translate the organizational policies into communication policies Formulate a communication policy that will help obtain the organisational goals and strategy in the best possible way. This can be both on strategic and operational level. Competence 4 Write a tactical communication plan within the overall communication policy The organisational policy is clear and translated in common starting points for communication. These starting points are the foundation for the communication plans on a tactical level, both on internal and external communication questions. Competence 5 Design a media strategy Based on profound knowledge of the media the media specialist has to make strategic decisions about the usage of various media at a given moment. 9

Competence 6 The realization of a communication project in an international setting Communication activities are often conducted in the form of a project or event. The project leader is responsible for the planning, briefing and realisation of the activities and the evaluation. He is able to work with suppliers from different countries and manage projects from a distance. Competence 7 The realization of communication tools in design and content The communication officer is responsible for the realization of the communication tools that are described in the various communication plans. He will either have to brief an external party for the production or will have to execute the production himself. Competence 8 Representing the organization The communication officer is able to act as an ambassador of the organisation within an international environment. He is able to communicate important issues to the target groups and representatives of various organisations. Competence 9 Works in an international environment The communication- and media specialist is able to work in an international environment. He is aware of the cultural backgrounds of and the physical distance between his suppliers, his target groups and possibly colleagues. Competence 10 Professional attitude and behaviour The communication- and media professional should be able to communicate and interact in various situations and should keep in mind the context, the needs, demands and culture of his environment. He should be able to reflect on the profession in general and his personal behaviour and attitude in particular. 10

Competencies matrix ICM Role Work process Research Design Create Implement Evaluate Producer Executive Operational level Researches and conducts communication analysis from an intercultural and international perspective SWOT Trend analysis Competitive analysis Media use analysis Target group analysis Corporate identity analysis Corporate image and identity analysis) Produces briefing Presents pitch Makes prototype and/or dummy Moodboard Creates content and design for internal and external print media, audiovisual media, cross media, taking into account intercultural and international perspective Corresponds and converses in English and one non-native language and can digest and interpret texts in these languages Implements means of communication, taking into account the preconditions in an intercultural and international context (Pre)tests means of communication Executes (part of a) media strategy Executes product or effect evaluation in an international and intercultural context Competencies A 1/ 2/9/10 C 4/9/10 E 5/8/9/10 G 6/8/9/10 I 7/8/9/10 Advisor Inventive Strategic level Composes research plan Interprets and concludes based on research Reports (cross-)media concept Translates concept into and advises on communication and media strategy (campaign and plan) Develops implementation plan Controls media policy Composes evaluation plan for product-, processand/or effect evaluation Competencies B 1/ 2/9/10 D 3/ 4/9/10 F 3/5/8/9/10 H 6/9/10 J 7/9/10 2.1.4 Graduate skills To function as intermediary between strategists and executives in both the field of communication and journalism the graduate ICM has to possess the following skills and knowledge. Knowledge of communication and media Knowledge of the professional practice Knowledge of communicative processes Knowledge of the field of media Knowledge of related disciplines Economics Business management 11

Social-cultural studies Psychology International law Statistics ICT Professional skills Being technically able to deal with different media Being able to make simple products with different media Being able to do research via all possible sources Being able to take and process an interview Being able to translate a strategy into a plan and product(s) Practical skills Mastery of the English language Being able to construct and manage a project Mastery of a second language Being able to work in a team/editorial staff Personal skills Being able to present orally and in writing Being able to co-operate within an international surrounding Insight in the surroundings Knowledge of man and society Knowledge of trends and issues Reflection on strategy and ethics Being able to reflect on communication and media This survey of skills is based on the professional profiles BVO and VVO, August 2000 2.1.5 Field of work and employment functions Strategy CEO level Council Project management Translation of concept to product Guidance Communicative expression & journalistic product In the first instance graduates of ICM fall into the middle block and are trained for this. In theory they are the ideal intermediary between strategists and executives and will work as, for instance, counsellor, project leader, media planner or editor. 12

2.2 Profile of study programme 2.2.1 General 2.2.2 Study programme objective The programme trains communication and media professionals who give content to the function of communication of an (international) organization. Graduates have insight in the process of communication within the different layers and cultures of an organization. The field of operations is broad and contains many positions varying from communication counselor to media planner. Besides the communication processes graduates can delegate in an effective way and are responsible for realizing of communication projects within an organization. A bachelor International Communication & Media possesses the competencies to practice a broad range of positions and is trained to be a broadly schooled professional in the field of internal and external communication at the government, business sector and non-profit organizations with a special focus on organizations that operate within an international surrounding. 2.2.3 The HBO ( Higher Vocational Education ) level of the study programme International Communication and Media trains students as professionals on bachelor s level in Communication and Media. Graduates are capable to advise in the fields of organizational policy, they give practical content to the policy in the field of internal and external communication and can give advice in other fields such as marketing and HRM. On the level of implementation they can shoulder the responsibility for the execution of communication activities. Although the students learn a number of skills that are useful with the production of means of communication, the accent is more on strategic implementation of media and bringing in specialists as (web) designers and copywriters. That is the reason why the programme is general by nature. When a graduate wants to specialize in a certain part of Communication and Media they are well prepared to participate in a master's programme. With this the programme links up with the new BAMA-structure. 2.2.4 Teaching: principles The programme has chosen for a competency aimed educational model. A competency is the capacity of a person to execute (professional) tasks in a certain (professional) context. This capacity is disposing of a connected whole of knowledge, skills and aspects of attitude. This means the following for the programme. The programme is aimed at the gaining of professional competencies, i.e. the gaining of connected knowledge, skills and aspects of attitude with which professional tasks can be executed. The learning is understood to be a target aimed activity of the student; the programme stimulates active and independent learning. The lecturer supports the learning process of the student and is the content expert in certain fields of competency. The learning takes place as much as possible in realistic learning environments in which learning tasks resemble professional tasks. If desirable and possible modern media (ICT) is used as much as possible. The programme is based on the concurrency-principle, at which learning moments of the programme and the professional practice influence each other positively. The learning is a social and interactive process, students work together: with each other, the lecturer and professionals from the practice. Exams are meant to determine which level of command of the competencies is reached and to offer the student insight in the progress of his/her own learning process. 13

2.3 Organization of the study programme 2.3.1 Programme tracks The programme is taught in English and can only be done full-time. In the full-time programme students are expected to be available 40 hours a week. Most of the students come from secondary school or intermediate vocational education. 2.3.2 Abridged and accelerated study programme routes International Communication and Media does not have a separate study route for short programmes. However, in individual cases students who have already passed the first year of another programme can be exempted from certain subjects and thus speed up the programme. For this, consultation with the study progress coordinator of ICM is necessary 2.3.3 Certificates As proof that you have completed the programme (or part of it) the preliminary year, Associate Degree (AD), or Bachelor s the Board of Examiners issues you with a diploma, the Dutch legal term for which is getuigschrift. The following types of diploma are awarded: The preliminary year diploma, for those who have successfully sat the preliminary year exam; The Bachelor s degree diploma, for those who have successfully completed the final exam. The diploma is signed by the chairman and a member of the Board of Examiners. A European-model International Diploma Supplement (IDS) is added to the Bachelor s diploma and the AD. The process involves no costs. The IDS provides information on the nature and the substance of the study programme and lists the results obtained by the graduate. This makes it easier for outsiders, including those from abroad, to appreciate what the study programme and diploma entail. For each study programme, you receive just one preliminary year and one Bachelor s diploma. See Section 5.1. for the procedure by which diplomas are issued. In principle, diplomas are in Dutch, but an English-language version can be issued on request. The International Diploma Supplement is always in English. If you have successfully completed more than one exam without gaining a degree, you can ask the Board of Examiners to issue a declaration listing the exams that you have passed. Like a diploma, the declaration is signed by the chairman and a member of the relevant Board of Examiners. 2.3.4 Degrees and titles If you successfully complete a degree programme (Associate Degree or Bachelor s) at the HU, you will earn a title, as well as a degree. The degree is granted by the Board of Examiners on behalf of the Executive Board. A degree confers the right to bear a title Bachelor in the case of a Bachelor s programme, and Associate Degree in the case of an Associate Degree programme. The subject or field in which the degree has been obtained is added to the degree title. The awarding of a Bachelor s degree confers the right to list it after your name, abbreviated to B (plus any additional information). Alternatively, you may use instead (so not as well as); The title baccalaureus, abbreviated to bc., preceding your name, if it concerns any other study programme. 2.3.5 Structure of the study programme Study stages The programme consists of two study stages, which are dealt with in detail in this chapter: the preliminary year stage, and the main stage. The programme starts with the preliminary year stage, which you finish by obtaining a preliminary year diploma. This is followed by the main stage, which lasts for three years, and is concluded with the awarding of a Bachelor s degree. See Sections 2.4 and 2.5. 14

Legal duration of study, study load, and study credits The study load of the programme and its related courses is expressed in study credits (ECs) in accordance with the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS), which is designed to make it easier to compare study programmes internationally. One EC corresponds with 28 hours of study (including contact hours). Regular Bachelor s study programmes last four years. The composition of the programmes is based on an average study load of sixty ECs, or 1680 hours, for each year of study. The total study load of the programmes (lessons, private study, and internships) therefore amounts to 240 ECs. Study phases The course consists of two study phases: The first year phase and the principal phase. The course starts with a propaedeutic phase lasting one year. This phase ends with a first-year diploma. The principal phase follows the first-year phase and ends after three years with a bachelor s degree. Please refer to part 4.2 and 4.3. Statutory length of study, course load, study credits The course load for each programme and the courses associated with this are expressed in study credits (ECs) according to the European Credit Transfer System (ECTS). This is a study credits system of which the purpose is to make programmes internationally comparable. A study credit of 1 EC corresponds to 28 hours of study (including contact time). A regular bachelor s degree takes four years. An average course load of 60 ECs or 1680 hours per academic year is taken as the starting point for each course programme. The total course load for a programme (teaching, self-study and practical time/placements) is therefore 240 ECs. Table of the distribution of course load across programme: First year (60 EC.) Major (150 EC.) Principal phase (180 EC.) Free choice component (30 EC.) The course load has been included in the course description and is expressed in study credits. See OSIRIS (www.osiris.hu.nl). ECs are only awarded once a particular course has been completed along with the associated exam (and/or all exam components). The first year phase The first year of the programme, the propaedeutic phase, gives an impression of the content of the study and the job you can expect later. The courses offered deal with subjects about culture, media and communication and the contents of the assignments to be fulfilled is not too complex. Furthermore, the propaedeutic phase has the function to clarify whether the programme fits the student and if the student fits the programme. Based on the number of ECTS gained the university makes a selection. The principal phase The main phase comprises the second, third and fourth academic year. The major starts in the second academic year. In the third academic year, the minor and work placement take place and in the fourth year the major project. With 240 ECs (including 60 ECs of the propaedeutic phase) for all compulsory courses the student has passed the programme and receives the bachelor s diploma. 2.4 Preliminary year Study programmes are split into a preliminary year and a main stage for a good reason. The first year has three important functions, as designated by the government: Orientation It is very important for the sake of your studies that you take a programme that is suited to you. This means that the substance of the programme, the professional field for which you will be taught, and the way in which the programme is organized must appeal to you. One of the purposes of the preliminary year is to see whether or not this is the case. Selection At the end of your first year, it is time to review your situation. Are you doing the right programme? Is the work too difficult for you? Have you made enough progress? The answers to these questions are good pointers as to whether you will ultimately gain your diploma in the allotted time. At HU, we determine the progress students have made by giving 15

Year 1: Propedeutic phase Depending on Schedule in Period C or D Depending on Schedule in Period A or B individual advice based on assessments by those supervising the students. This involves looking at the number of ECs obtained by the student. It is very important that you are aware of the criteria for the study norm, as well as the rules relating to it. You should therefore carefully read Section 2.4.2 on Advice concerning Study Progress, so that you do not face any unpleasant surprises. Anyone who does not fulfil the study norm and who receives binding recommendations to the effect that they should not continue with the programme will not be allowed to do so. Referrals If you find that the programme is not for you, there is no need to panic. What is important is that you air your doubts in good time. It may be that your instincts are incorrect and that you do not yet have a full picture of the programme. There are amenities available that can help you if you are in doubt. You can go to the Study Choice Centre, for example, and take a study choice test. But it is important to remember that you should always contact your study progress advisor in case of doubt. 2.4.1 Programme In each academic year, the programme department sets the curriculum of both the study programme as a whole and its components. This study programme is valid only in the year for which it is set. The preliminary year courses are shown below, and include the number of ECs that they are worth, and the OSIRIS code. You can find a detailed overview and descriptions of the courses at the back of this Study Guide and in OSIRIS (www.osiris.hu.nl). Year Period Study Program 2012-2013 EC Osiris-code Campaign plan 5 JIC-CAMPL.1V-11 Influencing an intercultural audience 5 JIC-INFL.1V-11 Crossmedial communication 5 JIC-CRSM.1V-11 Online magazine 5 JIC-ONLM.1V-11 Media exploration 5 JIC-MEDEX.1V-11 Writing and designing for media 5 JIC-WRT.1V-11 Corprate video 5 JIC-CORV.1V-11 The communicating organisation 5 JIC-COMO.1V-11 Scriptwriting 5 JIC STOR.1V-11 Evaluation report 5 JIC-EVA.1V-11 Analysis and interpretation 5 JIC-ANIN.V-11 Applied research 5 JIC-APP.1V-11 Total amount EC year 1: 60 Courses year 1, academic year 2012-2013 latest year exams are available. Period Course Name EC Osiris-code A + B Applied communication 2 JIC-APCO.1V-07 A + B English basics 3 JIC-ENBA.1V-07 A + B English: Shorties 3 JIC-ENSH.1V-07 A + B Global economics 3 JIC-GLEC.1V-07 A + B Individual & Communication 2 JIC-INCO.1V-08 A + B Interviewing 2 JIC-INTV.1V-07 A + B Journalistic research 1 JIC-JRES.1V-07 A + B Multimedia Skills 3 JIC-MULM.1V-07 A + B Organisation & Communication 3 JIC-ORCO.1V-07 A + B Organisational analyses 4 JIC-ORGA.1V-07 A + B Personal development 1 1 JIC-PED1.1V-07 A + B Personal development 2 1 JIC-PED2.1V-07 A + B Personal development 3 1 JIC-PED3.1V-07 A + B Personal development 4 1 JIC-PED4.1V-07 A + B Persuasive techniques 3 JIC-PERT.1V-07 A + B Project management 2 JIC-PMAN.1V-08 16

A + B Project 6 JIC-PROJE.1V-07 A + B Quantitative research 4 JIC-QURE.1V-07 A + B Quantitative research 5 JIC-QURE.1V-10 A + B Research studies 2 JIC-RES.1V-08 A + B Social Cultural Practice 2 JIC-SCPR.1V-08 A + B Social Cultural Studies 3 JIC-SCST.1V-07 A + B Society & Communication 2 JIC-SOCO.1V-07 A + B Storytelling 2 JIC-STORY.1V-10 A + B Web-skills 3 JIC-WEBS.1V-07 2.4.2 Advice concerning study progress As already mentioned, you will be given advice on the progress of your study at the end of your preliminary year. In fact, during the first year of your enrolment you will receive written advice on whether or not to continue with your studies on two occasions. At the end of the first year at the latest, you will receive definitive advice. The relevant rules on this are given below. The reference date for issuing binding advice on study progress is 1 May. If you are enrolled at the HU on this date, then you will receive your binding advice at the end of your first year at the latest. If you leave the programme and have unenrolled by 1 May, then you will not receive any binding advice for that academic year. Interim study advice Halfway through the year at the latest, you will receive written interim advice on continuation of your studies from the Board of Examiners. It will also contain a detailed explanation of the results you have achieved so far and of your study progress. The interim advice could be: Positive: 20 or more study credits Warning: 19 or fewer study credits. If you have not made sufficient progress, then the advice you receive from the Board of Examiners will be in the form of a warning. In this case, you should contact your study progress advisor in order to draw up a study plan, which you can use to get back on schedule. If you have fallen behind as a result of exceptional circumstances, you should contact the student counsellor straight away. Positive or negative study advice At the end of your first year, you will as a rule receive definitive advice on the continuation of your studies from the Board of Examiners. This will be either positive or negative. Negative advice generally means that you cannot continue with the programme at the HU. A student who has been issued with binding advice refusing continuation of study may no longer be registered for this course as a student or an external student. Neither can you be registered for the Business Communication and Digital Communication courses. The Examination Board may impose a time limit on the refusal for continuation of study, and/or decide to refuse registration to courses with the same first-year exams. You will receive a positive recommendation on the continuation of your studies if: You have successfully completed your preliminary year, or have obtained at least 45 ECs of the preliminary year programme. The following elements are not included in the calculation of whether you have obtained the above total of 45 ECs: a. ECs for exemptions granted to you b. ECs obtained in a previous enrolment year. The ECs must have been obtained in the year in question. c. Results for interim exams, if the final version has not been successfully completed. If you cannot obtain 45 ECs during the preliminary year as a result of the aforementioned exceptions, you will have to successfully complete the preliminary year in full at the end of the year in order to receive a positive recommendation on the continuation of your studies. You will receive a negative recommendation (a rejection) if you have not fulfilled the criteria for a positive recommendation. Binding negative recommendations must be substantiated. Other information that must be included is referral advice and the options available to students for lodging an objection and making an appeal. Recommendations are signed by or on 17

behalf of the Board of Examiners, and either handed to you in person or sent to you by registered post within a week of the placing of the signature. If you have received a binding negative recommendation, then you may no longer remain enrolled for the programme in question as a student or external student. The Board of Examiners will give you an opportunity for a hearing before issuing a binding negative recommendation on the continuation of your studies. If you decide to take modules in the main stage of the programme before receiving a recommendation, you should be aware that the norm for receiving a positive recommendation relates only to modules that have successfully been completed in the preliminary year part of the programme. Any ECs obtained from modules in the main stage will not count for this purpose, so you should always make a priority of successfully completing the preliminary year modules. Suspension of recommendations for students in their first enrolment year as a result of exceptional circumstances When making study recommendations, the Board of Examiners must take into account the possibility that a student has fallen behind in his or her studies due to personal circumstances. Only the following circumstances fall into this category: Illness; Physical, sensory or other functional disorder; Pregnancy; Exceptional family circumstances, including the person you live with or a person with whom you are in an LAT relationship; Membership of a participatory body or programme committee; Other circumstances in which you, as a student, are engaged in activities in the context of the organization and management of the HU, or a part of the HU, to be assessed by the faculty management; Membership of the administration of a student organization or comparable body of a reasonable size that is recognized by the Executive Board in accordance with the HU Talent Grant scheme; Other situations in which you have been unable to sit exams or attend lessons due to circumstances beyond your control, to be assessed by the Board of Examiners. If the Board of Examiners considers that personal circumstances are a factor, then the recommendation on continuation of your studies will be deferred until the end of your second enrolment year at the latest. You must fulfil the norm that applies in that year for a positive recommendation at the end of your second year of study. If the recommendation on the continuation of your studies was deferred last year (or any previous year) and you are therefore due to receive a binding recommendation this year, then the norm for the current academic year will apply to you, that is, 45 ECs and any earmarked courses. Note that any ECs you obtained in previous years, and any exemptions you have been granted, will not count towards the calculations for determining how many ECs you have obtained from your preliminary year. Detailed information about the norm and what does, and what does not, count towards the calculations of the number of ECs you have obtained is given earlier in this section. A deferred recommendation is covered by the same procedure as is a regular recommendation. If you have fallen behind in your studies because of one of the exceptional circumstances listed above, you must notify the Board of Examiners in writing as soon as possible, and ask that the circumstances be taken into consideration for the purpose of your recommendation. You should also contact the student counsellor and your study progress advisor at the earliest possible opportunity. They will advise the Board of Examiners. See Section 8.3. Below is a diagrammatical overview of the norm used for binding study recommendations. Enrolment Norm* What does not 15 EC or more count? that do not count 1 st year, 1 st time 45 EC Exemptions Norm is actually P New start after interruption 45 EC Exemptions Norm is (interruption to enrolment). Results from earlier years actually P 2nd year (without interruption, 45 EC Exemptions Norm is after deferred recommendation) Results from earlier years actually P 18

Ye ar 2: M ai n ph as e ye ar 1 *including earmarked requirements 2.4.3 Switching to another programme If you decide to switch to a different study programme at the HU during the academic year, you will have to re-enrol completely, and gain permission from the new programme. 2.5 Main stage The main stage is the period of study after the preliminary year, and lasts until the conferral of your degree. The main stage involves three years of study (nominally) and consists of the following: A major (main programme) of 150 ECs; An optional subjects component of at least 30 ECs. 2.5.1 Admission to main stage Once you have successfully completed your preliminary year and received your diploma for that year, you will be admitted to the main stage of the study programme. If you have received a preliminary year diploma for a study programme from another institute and wish to be admitted to the main stage of a study programme at the HU on the basis of that diploma, you must submit a request to that effect to the programme. The programme will then assess whether your diploma is acceptable. If you are admitted, you will not be able to obtain a preliminary diploma from the HU. See Section 4.2 (exemptions). Students who have not rounded off the propaedeutic year can yet be allowed to take subjects of the main phase and conclude these with an exam on the condition that: the student has received a positive study recommendation; the student has the necessary foreknowledge to do the course (so meets the starting requirements); no guarantee is given that the subject is still part of the curriculum or has the same content at the moment the student is officially admitted to the main phase; if the content of the course is changed the Exam Board determines which subject content will be replaced for this. If you decide to take modules in the main stage of the programme before receiving a recommendation as meant in Section 2.4.2, you should be aware that the norm for receiving a positive recommendation on the continuation of your studies relates only to modules that have successfully been completed in the preliminary year part of the programme. So if you decide to take modules in the main stage but do not have a sufficient number of study credits from your preliminary year at the time that the recommendation is issued, you may find yourself being given a negative recommendation. This means you will have to leave the programme, regardless of how many study credits you may have gained in the main stage. 2.5.2 Programmes In each academic year, the programme department sets the curriculum of the main stage. This is valid only in the year for which it is set. The main stage courses are shown below, for each year of the programme, and include the number of ECs that they are worth, and the OSIRIS code. You can find complete descriptions of the courses at the back of this Study Guide and in OSIRIS. Year Period Study Program 2012-2013 EC Osiris-code Compulsory Courses: 19

Depending on Schedule in Period C or D Depending on Schedule in Period A or B Corporate Image 5 JIC-CORPIM.2V-12 Marketing management 5 JIC-MARMAN.2V-12 Consumer marketing 5 JIC-CONMA.2V-12 Media Marketing & Communication Skills 5 JIC-MMCS.2V-12 Press kit 5 JIC-PREKI.2V-12 Intercultural Media research 5 JIC-INTMR.2V-12 Online Research & Professional Behaviour 5 JIC-ONRPB.2V-12 Organisation Behaviour 5 JIC-ORGBE.2V-12 Organisational change 5 JIC-ORGCHA.2V-12 Understanding Intercultural Media 5 JIC-UNDIM.2V-12 Total Compulsory Courses: 50 Language Courses (choice of one language): Chinese: A + B Chinese 1 5 JIC-CHI1.2V-12 C + D Chinese 2 5 JIC-CHI2.2V-12 Dutch: A + B Dutch 1 5 JIC-DUT1.2V-12 C + D Dutch 2 5 JIC-DUT2.2V-12 French: A + B French 1 5 JIC-FRE1.2V-12 C + D French 2 5 JIC-FRE2.2V-12 German: A + B German 1 5 JIC-GER1.2V-12 C + D German 2 5 JIC-GER2.2V-12 Spanish: A + B Spanish 1 5 JIC-SPA1.2V-12 C + D Spanish 2 5 JIC-SPA2.2V-12 Total Language Courses: 10 Total amount EC year 2: 60 Courses Main phase year 1, academic year 2012-2013 latest year exams are available. Period Course Name EC Osiris-code A + B Corporate Communication 5 JIC-CORPCO.2V-08 A + B Crossmedia Design 1 5 JIC-CMDSG1.2V-10 A + B Crossmedia Design 2 5 JIC-CMDSG2.2V-10 B + C Dutch 1 5 JIC-DUT1.2V-10 D + E Dutch 2 5 JIC-DUT2.2V-10 B + C French 1 5 JIC-FRE1.2V-10 D + E French 2 5 JIC-FRE2.2V-10 B + C German 1 5 JIC-GER1.2V-10 D + E German 2 5 JIC-GER2.2V-10 A + B Information and Law 5 JIC-INFLAW.2V-09 A + B Intercultural and Global 5 JIC-INTGLB.2V-07 A + B Internal Communication 5 JIC-INCNET.2V-07 A + B Magazine 5 JIC-MAGA.2V-07 A + B Marketing Communication 5 JIC-MARCOM.2V-07 A + B Marketing management 5 JIC-MARMAN.2V-07 A + B Popularization 5 JIC-POPUL.2V-07 B + C Spanish 1 5 JIC-SPA1.2V-10 D + E Spanish 2 5 JIC-SPA2.2V-10 A, B, C, D or E Study Orientation Year 2 2 JIC-STUORI.2V-07 Year Period Study Program 2012-2013 EC Osiris-code Year 3: A + B Minor / Foreign Exchange 30 20